They almost doubled Hampden’s clearances and dominated the contested ball. Brandon Symes fed them all game with silver-service in the ruck.

He was one of the best players on the ground.

Tyson Hartwig was rock-solid in defence, supported all game by Judd Porter, Luke Packer and Drew Barnes.

While victory looked all but assured by half-time, the backline remained relentless in keeping Hampden off the scoresheet.

Mackie was clearly best on ground and Prior slotted them from everywhere, but Lonnie Hampton stole the show, turning the match on its head with his class, pace and trickery, kicking five brilliant goals on the run.

North Albury’s Jarrah Maksymow provided highlights when the heat was on early.

“I just told them to do their thing,” Fevola said.

“They had free rein.

“They were a bit nervous before the game but I just wanted them to pull out their tricks and they did.”

With the weight of expectation on their shoulders, Fevola said the league’s shaky start didn’t cause him any concern.

“You’re never going to blow teams away in the first quarter at this level,” Fevola said.

“We just had to make sure we were in the game and then start grinding away from there until you put them away.”